We’ve seen the spy photos and only recently the official renderings- we’ve even seen the actual production car…but this time its official. Hyundai have taken the wraps off their much anticipated Concept Genesis Coupe at the LA Motor Show and to be honest much like the pictures we showed you last week its more of a let down than a pleasant surprise. While not unattractive the new RWD coupe just seems to be lacking something and is certainly not “intimidating” as suggested by the designer.

“Beauty and danger co-exist in the design of the Concept Genesis Coupe. When viewed from a distance, the car is beautiful to look at. But up close it can appear a bit menacing and even a little intimidating,” said Eric Stoddard, senior creative designer.

Anyway…the story improves under the bonnet where you’ll find Hyundai’s 3.8-litre all-alloy V6 with in excess of 224kW/300hp that as we know by now drive the rear wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox and limited slip differential. Hyundai claim that the 0-100kmh dash is around a 6.0 sec job.

The new coupe will be the second car to be based on the new RWD Genesis platform, the first being the up-market Genesis sedan due for release in the US during 2008.

Unlikely to carry over to the production version, the Concept Coupe attempts to jazz things up a little with a light-weight carbon-fibre roof, bonnet and ground effects along with 20-inch alloy wheels. The production Coupe will be fitted with a Brembo brake package.

So there you go, no stunning styling, a weird kink in the rear window and no V8 option (yet) although it is RWD and we should take some comfort from this.

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Hyundai Concept Coupe Press Release

LOS ANGELES, Hyundai unveiled its highly anticipated Concept Genesis Coupe during a press conference at the Los Angeles International Auto Show today. The concept car heralds the introduction of an all-new, rear-wheel drive 2 + 2 sports coupe scheduled to join the Hyundai lineup in the spring of 2009. Following the introduction earlier this year of the Concept Genesis sedan, Concept Genesis Coupe signals Hyundai’s second step in broadening its appeal to driving enthusiasts.

CONCEPT GENESIS COUPE HIGHLIGHTS

• Second rear-wheel drive performance car from Hyundai

• 300+ horsepower from enhanced 3.8-liter V6 from Genesis sedan

• The production version of the sports coupe arrives in the spring of 2009

The Sonic Orange concept is complemented by a Ballistic Black carbon fiber hood, roof and ground effects for reduced weight. Strong hints of the production version are highlighted in its “Z” bodylines and powerful curves. When the production sports coupe arrives, it likely will be the most affordable 300+ horsepower car on the market, and the most dynamic performance car yet from Hyundai.

“Concept Genesis Coupe is the most thrilling, most emotional Hyundai yet,” said John Krafcik, vice president, product development and strategic planning, Hyundai Motor America. “When it hits the market in early 2009, we aim to deliver a driving experience that challenges cars like Infiniti G37, at prices more like Mitsubishi Eclipse.”

DESIGN PROCESS

“The mission for Concept Genesis Coupe was to create a pure performance car with a design that would capture the imagination of hardcore automotive enthusiasts,” said Joel Piaskowski, chief designer at the Hyundai Design Center in Irvine, Calif. “With its aggressive look from just about any angle, I think we have been able to do that.”

The powerful curves, surface detail and “Z” bodyside lines come straight from the same underlying inspiration that guided two earlier, well-received concepts: the HCD9 Talus and the HCD8 sports tourer. The undulating beltline borrowed from the Talus adds intrigue while enhancing outward visibility for both the driver and rear passengers. The HCD8 sports tourer’s sensual body forms influenced the overall design theme while also providing direction for the concept’s assertive headlight and taillight designs.

The look of Concept Genesis Coupe was in part inspired by LeMan’s race cars, drifters and by Jada Toys Dub City™ die cast vehicles. The front and rear stance of the Concept Genesis Coupe can be described as sinister.

“Beauty and danger co-exist in the design of the Concept Genesis Coupe,” said Eric Stoddard, senior creative designer. “When viewed from a distance, the car is beautiful to look at. But up close it can appear a bit menacing and even a little intimidating.”

The concept’s rocker panels are drawn close to the ground making the bodysides extra thick and the daylight opening extremely thin, allowing the wheels to be slammed up into bulging fenders. To complete the aggressive sports car look, the depth between the fenders and the greenhouse has been maximized.

Three large heat extractors sculpted into the hood are designed to cool just about any powerful engine. When the concept becomes reality, three large openings in the front fascia will allow for better engine breathing. The dual exhaust tips integrated into the rear fascia repeat the design theme of the front cooling ducts and are surrounded by a large carbon fiber air diffuser.